Claude CLI Login 101 · Lesson 3

A clean recovery

Redo login through the official path without deleting configuration.

By the end
1

The big idea

Safe recovery uses claude auth logout and claude auth login. CAPTCHA remains a human step.

Think of it like… It is replacing an expired key at the desk without demolishing the whole house.

Official logout cleared only the authentication credential. Deleting ~/.claude was unnecessary.

2

In one picture

Chrome OAuth✓Callback✓Credential✓auth status✓Real request✓
After: every boundary reaches the real request.
logout
login
Chrome
hCaptcha
status
3

Try it

claude auth logout
claude auth login
claude auth status

Remember: Do not delete the whole ~/.claude directory.

Quick check

Which step needs a person?

Use evidence that crosses the real boundary without exposing a secret.

Claude CLI Login 101 · A clean recovery